Melting Chocolate Coating

Melting of Candy CoatingMelting coating is really quite simple. Whichever method used, keep in mind; don't cook the coating, just warm and melt it. It is a good idea to keep "paramount crystals" on hand whenever working with coating. These help to thin the coating if it is too thick. It also may save coating that has been overheated. Two thing that can hurt the process is getting the chocolate too hot (luke warm to your touch) or getting any moisture in it. Microwave:Place coating pieces in microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds on medium. Take out and stir. Microwave another 30 seconds and stir. The coating should be melted. Every small chunk may not appear to be melted, but if the coating feels warm, do not put it back in the microwave. Just stir until the small chunks are melted. If the coating still feels cool, microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring between, until coating feels just warm. The exact amount of time to melt will vary, depending on amount of coating to be melted and the microwave power.Double Boiler:Fill the bottom part of the double boiler about 1/3 full with water. Place coating in the top part of the double boiler. Heat only bottom part containing water over the stove. When it is hot, but not boiling, remove from the burner. Place top part of double boiler containing coating on top of bottom part. Stir occasionally until melted.

Trouble Shooting:

If melting directions are followed correctly, but coating still seems too thick: Add paramount crystals

If water or steam comes in contact with coating: Add up to 3 Tbls of paramount crystals.

If coating turns hard and refuses to melt: It either came in contact with water or got too hot.

Storing Candy Coatingit is best to store coating in a cool dry place, sealed in an air tight container. Moisture may collect on the coating if stored in the refrigerator. Moisture is one thing coating should not be exposed to. It is best when stored between 60-68°, so the freezer is too cold to store coating. Do not store it near anything that has an aroma to it because chocolate of any form picks it up very easily.

Candy Coating Shelf LifeCoating tastes freshest if used within 4-6 months after purchase date and if it is stored properly. It is better not to store in freezer.